In an effort to avoid a medical mishap...

[CJane]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? MO, but probably irrelevant

I'm allergic to morphine. This was discovered when I had a gall-bladder-ectomy about 5 years ago. Coming out of surgery, I was on IV fluids, and the nurse administered morphine via this IV. I went into anaphylactic shock, but recovered with no ill effects.

So here's the deal. I KNOW I shouldn't EVER have morphine again, and I know it's one of those "first line" meds given in emergency situations. I do not wear jewelry of any type, and in fact cannot wear jewelry at my job.

Would it make sense, and would it be effective to instead have the "medical allergy symbol" and the word "morphine" tattooed on the inside of my wrist? Would it be better to do it on my elbow? Right or left? Both? Is it a stupid idea altogether?

[CourtClerk]

I too, am allergic to morphine and feel your pain. Although I wear jewelry, I refuse to wear one of those "medic alert" type bracelets.

With my driver license in my purse, I carry a card with my medical conditions and drug allergies. I've made a few trusted coworkers aware, in case something happens at work, and the same card in my car. Fool proof? No. Hopefully enough? Hopefully.

[JKBee]

Is a medical alert bracelet or necklace really considered jewelry? It seems like your employer should be made aware of your special needs here and should be willing to work with this. Maybe an ankle alert bracelet?

[CourtClerk]

Originally Posted by JKBee

Is a medical alert bracelet or necklace really considered jewelry? It seems like your employer should be made aware of your special needs here and should be willing to work with this. Maybe an ankle alert bracelet?

Since when is a morphine allergy a medical need?

[CJane]

Originally Posted by JKBee

Is a medical alert bracelet or necklace really considered jewelry? It seems like your employer should be made aware of your special needs here and should be willing to work with this. Maybe an ankle alert bracelet?

It's not a matter of "policy", it's a matter of safety. I cannot wear jewelry at work. I'm lucky I can wear my glasses.

I don't think an ankle bracelet would be effective. If an IV is being administered, they're not looking at my ankle, yanno?

I'm not at all opposed to the idea of a tattoo, since I already have 3... I just don't want to get it if it's not going to serve it's purpose.

CC, I've made tons of people aware too... I just get worried since I spend about 100 miles a day on remote highways w/no one there to advocate for me in an emergency.

[CourtClerk]

Originally Posted by CJane

CC, I've made tons of people aware too... I just get worried since I spend about 100 miles a day on remote highways w/no one there to advocate for me in an emergency.

Check the other place. I just sent you something. Like my doc said, you can't ensure nothing will ever go wrong, but you can do your best to make sure it won't.

[divona2000]

The best people to ask are the responders who get to you first. Stop at some of the EMS Halls, Firestations, ER's. Ask them where they would be most likely to spot an emergency info tatoo.

[You Are Guilty]

Originally Posted by divona2000

The best people to ask are the responders who get to you first. Stop at some of the EMS Halls, Firestations, ER's. Ask them where they would be most likely to spot an emergency info tatoo.

If the EMTs are men, for maximum visibility, you'll probably want that tattoo on your chest or rear end

Seriously though, if work rules prohibit jewelry, then make sure your coworkers/supervisors know of your allergy in case of an event at work. Then, when you leave the job, put on the Medic ID bracelet before you drive away. Seems a lot easier than getting "I'm Allergic to Morphine" tattooed on your arm, no?

[ElvinMelvin]

As a former EMT, I can tell you that we were trained specifically to look for medicalert bracelets/necklaces and not tattoos. Odd as it may seem, the bracelet may have higher visibility than the tattoo, at least to rescue workers.

[lya]

If one cannot wear jewelry at work, it is most likely a measure to preserve life and limb. It does not matter if it is a medical alert bracelet.

If the OP is not opposed to a tatoo, I think one made in the likeness of a medical alert bracelet and states "morphine anaphylaxis" is a wonderful idea.

Court Clerk: The answer to your question is, "always: past, present, and future."

[CJane]

CC, thank you, I printed one out and have it in my wallet.

This is what I was thinking of, though of course, not for diabetes...
[url]http://img.webmd.com/dtmcms/live/webmd/consumer_assets/site_images/articles/health_tools/tattoos_slideshow/webmd_rm_photo_of_diabetic_medical_alert_tattoo.jpg[/url]